Add Nikon lens or start over?

[smov1]

My current set up is the basic D70s with the 18-70mm kit lens and a 50mm f1.8 primary. I have a few family functions in the upcoming months ( indoor weddings, reunions.....) that I would like to capture. I'm debating what I should do to get the best possible results given a budget of $700 - $1,000 to upgrade if necessary. Here are my initial options. Which would you do?

1) Sell the D70s kit and purchase a newer/larger +10mp D40x w/18-55mm kit or D80 w/18-70mm kit?

2) Keep the D70s, skip lunch for a month, walk to work instead of taking the train and forget about dry-cleaning for the rest of the year so I can save up for the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8.

3) Keep the existing D70s and purchase:
a) Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, and
b) purchase a Nikon SB-800 flash with bracket and cord and learn how to use in the next few months.
c) and maybe purchase a really wide lens such as the Sigma 10-20 if there's any budget left.
If this is the option you would choose, please specify which you would pick, the Tamron or Sigma.

4) Hold out and scour the earth for the possibility of finding a decent second hand D200 and from someone looking to upgrade and use my existing 18-70mm from my D70s.

or

5) Some other lens configuration and/or equipment choice that I haven't thought of.

I'm open to ALL suggestions. Thanks.

[jestev]

I would probably try with #3 simply because you need a faster lens and a flash.

Don't you think you'll need a more tele lens, too?

[jdepould]

I'd say 3a/b. I've read great reviews about the Tamron and I just picked up an SB600 which makes a huge difference.